Gripping Trailer for Historical Drama A PRAYER FOR THE DYING Starring Johnny Flynn and John C. Reilly
A jaw-dropping trailer has been released for the drama A Prayer for the Dying, starring Johnny Flynn, John C. Reilly, Kristine Kujath Thorp, Gustav Lindh, Hilton Pelser, and Andrew Whipp. The movie is written and directed by Dara Van Dusen, in her feature directorial debut, from a story based on the novel of the same name written by Stewart O’Nan.
The synopsis reads: "In 1870, the town of Friendship, Wisconsin, is enduring a dry, hot summer. The small town revolves around Jacob Hansen (Johnny Flynn), a hero of the American Civil War who, in spite of his many accomplishments, is unable to cast off the violence and darkness of his past as a soldier.
“Feeling compelled to atone for the wrongs he has committed, Jacob takes on the responsibility not only of providing for his young family but also of serving as sheriff, undertaker, & pastor for Friendship.
“He thus considers the town to be under his protection – a claim that comes to haunt him when Friendship is hit by an epidemic that the town’s doctor (John C. Reilly) cannot contain. As every decision becomes a choice between two evils, Jacob is increasingly haunted by his war-ridden past.
“It is unclear how much longer he can continue in his self-imposed role as protector or whether he will ever be able to forgive himself for what he's done."
This looks like such a compelling film. I couldn’t take my eyes off the trailer, and the performances look like they will be incredible. The film originally premiered at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, and it’s set to be released in select US theaters on October 9th.
Check out the trailer below, and let us know what you think.